Tag: Porto

Portugal is a beautiful, historic country to visit, with its biggest cities situated along picturesque waterways. Porto is no exception with the Douro River winding its way through its heart and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the west. Porto is known for its impressive bridges, port wine, and remarkable neoclassical architecture. Spending a couple days exploring this city goes by in the blink of an eye! Our comprehensive three-day Porto itinerary will ensure you see all the most memorable spots. 

When you’re planning a trip it’s often difficult to discern how much time to spend in a given area. Is two days enough in Porto? Would three days be better? Yes…. but also no. Two days is enough to hit the highlights of Porto, and get a feel for the city’s ambiance and charm (which there is loads of).

Despite this, we actually highly recommend staying a third day to head inland and explore Douro Valley. This allows you to see all the rich history of this beautiful coastal town as well as the rolling hills of Portugal’s wine country. But more on that later!  

fresh off the plane

Having experienced a couple all-too-short layovers in Portugal, we recently decided it was time to go all in on an exploration extravaganza. We just finished a ten-day city-hopping adventure, and we’re already dying to go back! 

While guided tours can be a great way to support the local economy and experience the local perspective, sometimes setting out, getting a little lost, and taking in small unexpected wonders can be its own memorable experience. If you’re keen to make the most of your time in Porto, we have an outstanding, action packed itinerary for you. Below we’ve detailed the best viewpoints (miradouros), historical landmarks, and best spots to grab a bite, as well as some beautifully tiled churches — plus all the tips and tricks to ensure you make the most of your time. 

When to Visit 

But first, when to visit?! Time of year can make or break your experience, but everyone is different! Do crowds stress you out? Can you spend the day out wandering around in the middle of summer? Are you keen to avoid the rainy season? What’s important to you will help dictate your perfect time of year…. or perhaps it’s just about getting away from work whenever they can spare you! 

Summer

Porto is a delight year-round, but some times of year are certainly better for visiting than others. Portugal will feel rather summery from June to mid-September, with July and August being the hottest months. This also happens to be the high season in Portugal, where you’ll find the highest concentration of tourists and prices will tend to be higher during this time as well. Super lovely as everything is open, the chances of rain are about as low as it gets, and everything is green and lively.

The cons of summer visits are the high volume of fellow travelers and the heat may be a bit oppressive to any more northern-based visitors. That being said, we visited mid-July and found the temperature to be quite reasonable, with highs only reaching into the upper 80s. We did ensure all our accommodations had air conditioning though as it would have made for rather warm afternoons and evenings alternatively.

Winter

In Porto the wintery months of December, January, and February tend to not only be colder but rainer as well. There’s beauty to be found in every season, but if you visit in the winter, you’ll want to make sure you bring some layers…. and a rain jacket! You’ll love being able to explore without nearly as many people. The cons of a winter visit pertain mostly to the weather and some of the spots that may be closed in the off-season. That being said, everyone has a different idea of what’s cold… Porto doesn’t really get snow, so anyone used to a biting winter may find a Portuguese winter to be a nice reprieve! 

Spring & Fall

What does that leave? The shoulder seasons… arguably the best time to visit! Why? If visit in May, it affords you the opportunity to enjoy all the sights of Porto as the city is blooming— plus there’s less crowds to maneuver. Similarly, late September and into October will allow you to still explore before the weather turns chilly again, and the stifling crowds of the summer have started to thin out yet again. Plus, airfare over the summer can become astonishingly expensive, so booking outside of peak travel times can keep a little extra money in your pocket as well! 

Transportation Station

Our opinion: no keys please! While having a car in Portugal can be nice to allow you some flexibility with intra-country travel, it’s really not necessary within the city of Porto. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go by walking or train travel— even pedestrian bridges to make crossing the river easy peasy. If your feet ever start to tire, they do have ride-share options available, and we found Uber to be very reasonable. 

Where to Stay

Everyone’s budget and expectations for travel are varied. What’s most important for your stay? Being right in the heart of the action? Having a room with a view? Relaxing with all the lux amenities? Do you mind climbing a couple flights of stairs? Do you prefer hotels over Airbnbs? Or do you live for the community atmosphere in hostels?

Regardless of what your accommodation vision board is, you will want to book your stay sooner rather than later— especially if you’re traveling in the high season over the summer. Rooms tend to go quickly! Making reservations in advance is especially important for anyone trying to keep their budget low as cheap accommodations tend to book up. That being said, Portugal overall tends to be a more economic European country to visit if you’re looking to stretch your pennies.  

DAY 1 

I hope your legs are fresh and ready for a full day of walking around and seeing the sights! Porto is a rather hilly city so your sightseeing will also be your workout! For those a little nervous about a day full of walking, Porto has a pretty adept public transit system that’s easy for tourists to navigate.

The following sights and subsequent walking path are organized in a way that creates a loop, so you can really explore the sights and sounds of Porto in whatever order works best for where you’re staying. You can find our walking path map for the day here. 

Avenida dos Aliados

Located along Liberdade Square, Avenida dos Aliados is the center of Porto. It’s the main avenue in this north populus, and it honors the Allied countries from World War I in a grandiose manner. Not only is it rich in historic character, but it’s also home to hotels, shops, and cafes. A nice, open first stop to promenade through. If you’re looking for a bit of a breakfast splurge, stop into Cafe Guarany for retro-chic ambiance and a tasty breakfast. 

Igreja do Carmo

This picturesque church is most notable for its alluring exterior, covered in vivid blue azulejos. Depending on how you’re rocking with time and how intrigued you are by historic churches, there are options to tour the church and explore the hidden house, gilded interior, and even see the small catacomb within.

Even if you’re not feelin’ the tour, this is a fab spot to just stroll by. The rather iconic exterior makes it a popular photo locale— both to capture the artistic beauty of the church as well as a fun, memorable selfie. The tiles make for a fun backdrop if you’re keen on a photo with some of Portugal’s famed decorative tiles! 

Palacio de Cristal

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a bit farther off the walking path loop than some of the other spots, but it’s so worth it! It can be beautiful to take in the sights of a historic city, but there’s something relaxing about being able to enjoy the lush green of the gardens, the beautiful tulip blooms, and the exotic peacocks strolling about. As a bonus you’ll also be treated to lovely views of the Douro River and sweeping rooftop landscapes. 

This actually ended up being one of my favorite stops. It was so peaceful to be able to snag a spot in the share, share a gelato, and lookout over the city.

Clerigos Tower 

Up next, the Clérigos Church! In case you skipped out on the tour of the Igreja do Carmo, you’ll have your next opportunity at the ornate baroque church. What makes this church definitely worth the price of admission? It houses Torre dos Clérigos, a 75-meter-tall bell tower, with over 200 steps that afford a fabulous, 360° view of Porto.

It does get busy though, so if you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend you purchase tickets in advance for your desired time window to ensure you’re able to go up. If you show up mid-day and they’re sold out of your desired time, there’s still hope! They’re likely to have evening tickets still available, and the Clergios Tower makes for an awesome spot to catch the sunset (see pictures below). A word to the wise? Book the time window 30 minutes before sunset to give yourself time to make it up the stairs and snag a perch along the wall facing the sunset! It does get full up there as the sun goes down.

As a note: while the church and its accompanying tower views are truly breathtaking, there WILL be other options for outstanding views if the thought of being in a narrow, mid-century staircase on a hot summer’s day gives you the heebie jeebies. At the very least, it’s a lovely stop to include in a walk-about of the city. 

Palácio da Bolsa

In the Infante D. Henrique Square, you’ll find the Palácio da Bolsa… which at one point was home to the Porto Stock Exchange. The neoclassical building has been a national monument since 1982, and is now the headquarters of Porto’s Commercial Association. Intricate details are prolific throughout the palace but we thought the Arab room was the crown jewel! They offer half hour guided tours (in four languages) to help navigate the gilded building. This is another spot that requires time window tickets during the summer. So, if you’re keen to explore here, make sure you book in advance!

The Palácio da Bolsa is located in the Ribeira neighborhood of Porto, which is known for its charming cobbled streets and lively atmosphere. Take your time exploring all the nooks and crannies in this charismatic neighborhood! 

Church of Saint Ildefonso

Completed in 1739, this is yet another beautiful church in Porto. If religious relics are your jam, you will thrive on all the various historic churches, monasteries, and covenants in Portugal; however, if you’re less religious or just not as intrigued by the array of artifacts (the church fatigue can get real), the Church of Saint Ildefonso is still soooo worth stopping by to admire from the outside.

The azulejo tiles that cover the exterior are such a niched art form and very unique to the area. The tiles here depict the life of Saint Ildefonso as well as some relevant biblical scenery. It’s amazing to see how over 11,000 tiles have been weathered and stood the test of time since the early 1930s. 

Rua Santa Catarina

Rua Santa Catarina is the epicenter of commerce in the city, with arguably the best assortment of shops, restaurants, and cafes— as well as a handful of charming churches. The pedestrian-only street makes it easy to wander around and lose track of time. The most notable stops along the way?

Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is a quaint church, with loads of charm. It’s covered in azulejos that were painted with scenes from the lives of saints. Eye-catching to look at and a lovely place to snag the perfect adventure girl picture of yourself. Casa do Chocolate not only makes tasty chocolates, but they had the best chocolate gelato I ate during our time in Portugal….. and I sampled more than my fair share of gelato!

Café Majestic will catch your eye with its beguiling curb appeal and a draw-dropping interior. Boasted to be one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, Majestic was restored to its original Belle Époque style, reminiscent of old Parisian cafes. If you’re feeling a little extra posh, this makes for a fun spot to grab a bite. 

Dinner Please

A gal can only wander for so long before it’s time for a snack… or perhaps a whole meal. Along our walking path, you’re guaranteed to happen upon loads of different amazing spots, but just in case you’re looking for a little guidance these restaurants are all worth visiting. 

DAY 2

Another action packed day will have you out and about taking in as many sights as daylight will allow– plus some gorgeous views as the sun sets! Not only will today’s jaunt highlight Porto, but you’ll have an opportunity to cross the Douro River and adventure to nearby Gaia as well! You can check out the walking path map for day 2 here!

Mercado do Bolhão

The Mercado do Bolhão is an amazing fresh market with all kinds of goods to peruse. From fresh flowers to fruits and veggies to olives, cheeses, and meats to pastries and wine… everything one might be looking for in a market. The marketplace itself has been recently renovated, so not only are the treats and sweets a delight but the building is open and modern. 

Perhaps we were just lucky gals when we were visiting, but our Airbnb hostess left us some Algarve oranges, and they were AMAZING! I purchased more from the Bolhão market on two separate occasions, and then another handful while we were down near Portimão. They were just so incredibly tasty!!!

As a note: some vendors will accept card payments, but we would recommend having some cash (i.e. euros) on hand to ensure you’re able to purchase whatever your heart— or stomach— desires.

São Bento Train Station

You won’t be taking a train anywhere today, but the São Bento Train Station is still worth a stop! Sound a little bananas? This train station not only serves as a point of transit, but it’s also home to an azulejos mural depicting scenes from Portugal history. Getting to experience all different spots around the city with the unique blue and white tiles is a fun way to experience Portuguese history and art all in one! 

Porto Cathedral 

It wouldn’t be a day out in Porto without at least one cathedral on the agenda! The Porto Cathedral is as intricate as it is majestic, and the craftsmanship of the building will hold appeal to anyone— not just Catholic visitors! It is free to enter but it only costs €3 to explore more— which is totally worth it for some bird’s eye views of the city. The cathedral sits up on a hill, so it has a fab vantage point! 

Luis I Bridge

Now if you’re looking to keep leveling up on views with outstanding perspectives, let those walking boots carry you to the Luis I Bridge. This double decker bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, making it easy to meander across the river and keep sauntering. Plus the bridge is extremely pedestrian friendly for anyone ardently exploring by foot. Don’t be mistaken though, this bridge is so much more than just a connection point, it affords the most fantastic views of Porto, Gaia, and the Douro River. 

Gaia Riverfront

Also known as Ribeira de Gaia, the riverfront is less of a singular destination and more of a general area to savor. There’s always fun to be had when getting a little lost exploring someplace new. This niche of Portugal is renowned for its port wine, so pack your sommelier cap and squeeze in some tasing. Since we knew we were going on a couple winery tours the following day, we skipped the wine cellar tours, but still meandered down to Churchill’s Lodge for beautiful views and a bit of wine tasting— primarily by Dana of course since I’m pregnant 😉

 There’s loads of little vendors selling their wares, and Dana and I couldn’t resist these fun hats (pictured below)!

Teleferico de Gaia 

At this point in the day your feet might just be getting a little tired of walking, and lucky for you, there’s an easy and adventurous way to make your way back up toward the bridge. Teleferico de Gaia suspends cable cars along the Gaia riverside, offering a rather unique mode of transportation. While it’s totally possible to make the walk, isn’t it more enticing to fly through the sky taking it all in from above?? By the end of the day, you really will have seen the Douro River from every vantage point. The lower station is near the Cais de Gaia Municipal Market, and it will drop you off at the upper station, adjacent to Jardim do Morro. 

Miradouro do teleférico

The Miradouro do teleférico is right next door to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, but you can save yourself the €2, and watch the sunset from Miradouro do teleférico— which is free! There’s loads of little spots (such as this one) to hang out along the river, take in the view, and just enjoy a moment of peace. If you’re looking for a dinner and a show, Esplanada do Teleférico serves up some tasty digs and offers a stunning perspective of the sun as it sets. 

Day Three: Douro Valley

It’s time to strike out away from the city! Where to next? Wine country!! Whether you’re a wine savant or considering your first ever vineyard tour, there’s so much to be seen out in the northern Portugal countryside. The rolling views of the countryside and the winding river create a tapestry of vibrant emeralds just waiting to be savored. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for your Portugal itinerary. 

We used public transportation and our best walking shoes to get around Porto, so we booked a tour to explore Douro Valley. The tour included two winery tours as well as a traditional Rabelo boat ride on the Douro River… plus lunch, historical stops, loads of beautiful photos, and all the fun facts from our tour guide. It really made for a spectacular day!!

Our tour is linked here. We loved having an 8-person cap to the group to keep it less chaotic. It is possible to take the train from Porto to the station in Douro Valley, but the tour made it incredibly convenient and stress-free to get from one place to another. Plus the perspective of our tour guide made it an even more authentic experience.

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Porto offers rich character, amazing views, delicious food, and profound history. Three days here will fly by! Where are you headed next? Will your travels take you to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city (check out our blog post on Lisbon here)? Or perhaps go take in the gorgeous southern coastline in the Algarve?? It’s amazing how each region embodies the Portuguese landscape and culture in a different way. Happy travels! 

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